“There were no corners cut, Mr. Carter. In fact, my client had gone above and beyond to ensure all concerns were addressed fully and completely. Now, unless there’s another reason that you are stalling, I suggest you make good on the verbal contractyou initiated with my client.” My tone was much harsher than before.
“What is this charity event?” Mitch Sheffield asked, eager to hear what I had to say.
I described the event, allowing a smile when I did.
However, it was apparent at least three of them were not impressed.
Jack yanked off his glasses. “We’re going to need some time to discuss. Now, if you will, please have Mr. Beckett come in. We have several things on our agenda today.”
I managed to keep my smile. “He was called unexpectedly to a fire.”
“Well, then.” Malcolm Travers began to gather the papers I’d presented. Eager to shove them under a rug.
“I’ll be happy to provide you with what he was prepared to discuss.”
Before any of the men had the opportunity to say a word, I’d jumped in, only hoping I knew what the fuck I was talking about. Thank God Axe had told me enough about what they were dealing with and what the fire departments had to endure. And with his notes, maybe I could wing it.
Two of the men barely looked at me. As if their indifference would stop me.
“With the current budget cuts, you’ve caused the fire department to remain shorthanded on both personnel and equipment. Take Engine Company Twelve for example; one of two engines has spent more time being in the shop than in use. That means inthe case of a multi-alarm fire, valuable time is lost in waiting for another engine company to respond. Given the fact you closed one engine company, that’s caused serious consequences.”
“So what is it that you’re asking for, Ms. Sterling?” From what I could tell, Mitch Sheffield was a key player. He was also honest. When he was about to be shut down by Jack, he threw his hand out. “This isn’t the first time we’ve had the request regarding the fire department. It’s the third and I for one believe we need to consider re-appropriating some funds.”
I’d spent some time learning about the five men of the council. No longer was there a smokejumper serving on the group.
The last had been booted out.
Currently, there were five corporate businessmen, which was perfectly fine except two of the five had axes to grind in trying to have their commercial land development projects approved. In my mind, serving was a conflict of interest.
While the land where the rodeo was being held was private and the council had no authority over the choice of venues, given the proximity of a nearby park, which butted up to the parking lot, the only logical choice for the location of the charity events themselves was to utilize the park. That meant a special permit was needed. While normally this would fall under the purview of Parks and Recreation, time was of the essence, and the council could make the approval at the same time.
And only if the stadium itself was given final occupancy.
“We’ve already appropriated the money for the year for the fire departments, Mitch. You’re well aware of that. There’s nothing we can do.” Jack was adamant, barely able to look me in the eye.
“Yes, we can revisit the budget,” Mitch insisted. “We’ve done it before.”
“Calm down. We will discuss but not now.” Nick was the other long-term player.
I waited for a few seconds before speaking.
“Bullshit,” I said quietly. “Did you know there’s an active arsonist in town, gentlemen? Did you know the fire department was late in coming to the same fire where William Beckett, a senior smokejumper was killed? You remember him. Don’t you? From what I understand, the water didn’t arrive because various fire departments were on other calls, taking the place of the fire department that you closed.” As I’d done before, I took time to glance at every member of the city council. “Now, maybe things wouldn’t have been any different, but what if the water had gotten to that mountain location in time? What if? You have the budget numbers. As you should know by now, smokejumpers work closely with every fire department in Missoula. Help them be able to do their jobs.”
Jack folded his arms, obviously bored to death.
Both Oliver and Malcolm were leering at me, another typical method of intimidation. Well, time to play ball.
“You have the budgetary numbers provided before. I’m certain you’re going to do the right thing. And how do I know that?” Keeping the smile on my face was getting difficult.
“How?” Mitch appeared furious, but not with me.
I took the time to lean over the table, placing my palms on the surface. Now, with a much wider smile, I took my time enunciating my words.
“Because there is an active arsonist within this community and it’s my belief that what will be found will indicate acts of insurance fraud, including involving the old mill property. You know, the one that just burned, starting a raging forest fire that destroyed several hundred acres of land. Land that coincidentally backs up to an area that appears to be prime real estate. Now, that’s just my opinion.”
Again, I waited for the accusation to sink in.
“What are you getting at?” Jack asked, not at all concerned.
